Geordie Boot Boys - Newcastle United F.C. News

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been embroiled in a long-running transfer saga that has no signs of stopping.

The 25-year-old’s remarkable form this season means that many eyes are on him, with Arsenal, Liverpool, and Barcelona all vying for his signature.

Claims from within Newcastle United suggest that exit rumours have not phased Alexander Isak and that he is solely focused on helping the Magpies return to the Champions League at the end of the season.

Arsenal’s interest in Isak made Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell slap an apparent £150m asking price on the Swede – a clear sign that they are unwilling to let him leave easily.

Reports in England have claimed that Isak would cost over £120m in the summer which would be a British record transfer fee.

Newcastle want to hand Isak a new contract which won’t be easy considering their league position and how much interest there is in him. To get him to sign, Isak wants to play Champions League football and receive a pay rise which would see him overtake Bruno Guimaraes as the club’s highest earner.

With a potential exit on the cards, Newcastle are now ready to rival Tottenham Hotspur for a highly-rated attacker who is currently teammates with a former Magpie.

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Newcastle eyeing summer move for Dusan Vlahovic

Juventus attacker Dusan Vlahovic has been on Newcastle’s radar for years. The Serbian international was linked with a move to Tyneside just after the takeover in 2021 when he was still a Fiorentina player. However, in January 2022, Vlahovic snubbed Newcastle for Juventus and has been a force to be reckoned with ever since.

In his 130 games in all competitions for the Old Lady, the 25-year-old has scored 54 goals and bagged 11 assists. This season, the 25-year-old’s good form has shown no signs of stopping, netting 13 goals in all competitions including one against the defending Premier League champions Manchester City.

According to GiveMeSport, Vlahovic is very keen to complete a move to the Premier League, but Tottenham are believed to be in the best position to sign him as it stands.

Spurs were very active in the January transfer window as they needed to replace the many injuries they had. Ange Postecoglou welcomed Mathys Tel, Antonin Kinsky. and Newcastle target Kevin Danso with the latter joining on a loan with an obligation to buy.

Vlahovic would be seen as a replacement for Isak – the report claims he would cost in the region of £50m in the summer. The Serbian is currently teammates with Lloyd Kelly who completed a loan move to Juventus in the January transfer window.

Dusan Vlahovic’s stats compared to Alexander Isak at Newcastle

Both players are enjoying fine seasons for their respective clubs, this is perhaps more the case for Isak who was scoring for fun at one point this season.

A key difference, however, is that Vlahovic has been playing Champions League football throughout the campaign – something Isak craves.

Both players have their similarities in terms of height but stylistically, they couldn’t more more different. While Isak is known for his dribbling ability and his fantastic finishing, Vlahovic is much stronger firing the ball from distance or from a direct free-kick.

Vlahovic would also be more involved in the build-up play too. The 25-year-old tends to do layoffs which some Newcastle players, like Sandro Tonali or Anthony Gordon, would love.

Newcastle United are exploring the free-agent market ahead of the summer transfer window.

There was disappointment around Tyneside when the January transfer window closed and Newcastle United opted against making any signings.

Newcastle sold Lloyd Kelly and Miguel Almiron due to PSR constraints but should now be better positioned to spend in the summer.

Toon boss Eddie Howe must make do with a depleted squad for the remainder of the season, the right-wing is particularly lacking in options after Almiron left Newcastle. Alternative winger Harvey Barnes is injured, and backup option Joelinton is also set for a spell on the sidelines.

Sporting director Paul Mitchell has already started making moves ahead of the summer – Newcastle are in pre-contract talks with Antonio Cordero, a winger for Segunda Division side Malaga. The 18-year-old has 10 goal involvements for the Spanish side this season.

With Newcastle now able to sign free agents, there is a chance that they have missed out on a player Mitchell was incredibly keen on signing.

LOSC Lille striker Jonathan David has been sensational in Ligue 1 this season. The Canadian has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season, including six Champions League strikes.

It is no surprise that David has his fair share of suitors given how well he has performed for Lille since joining in 2020. Newcastle are interested in David and are one of many clubs looking to sign him on a free transfer in the summer.

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David is a target Newcastle has discussed internally, as well as Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha. However, according to GiveMeSport, there is a growing belief that David has already made progress ahead of a possible move away from Lille to a new suitor.

The report claims that West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur wanted to lure the 25-year-old to London, but that now will not happen.

A report like this could mean two things for Newcastle. They are also concerned that they have missed out on David, or the Canadian has chosen Newcastle as his next club. Newcastle sent scouts to watch David in January, but there has been no report of contract talks between the player and the club.

West Ham look to have missed out on a golden opportunity by losing the David race. Graham Potter had the chance to sign David in January but opted against the move.

Other free agents Newcastle can sign

While Newcastle may have missed out on one free agent, they can still sign several others to give them a headstart on summer business.

David’s teammate Angel Gomes is out of contract in the summer. Newcastle want to sign Gomes who would be a great alternative to Howe’s existing midfield trio.

Newcastle were linked with Leroy Sane who could leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season – the winger has Premier League experience but carries a sizable wage bill with him. It is believed he could earn twice as much as Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle’s highest earner.

Eddie Howe and Tyler Dibling could be a special combination if Newcastle United sign the Southampton winger.

While arrivals during the January transfer window are unlikely, Newcastle United are making plans for who they want to target later in the year when PSR is less restrictive.

It has been claimed that Newcastle are interested in Tyler Dibling, who has made a major impression at Southampton this season. The 18-year-old has been excellent, which has unsurprisingly resulted in him catching the attention of multiple suitors – such as the Magpies.

However, Newcastle are not alone. Tottenham Hotspur also want Dibling, and could even try to land the teenager in the next few days.

Newcastle United worried about Tyler Dibling pursuit

That is a big concern for Eddie Howe, and there are fears that time could be against the Magpies.

According to Give Me Sport, Newcastle United are hoping that Dibling takes his time to decide his next move amid January interest from Tottenham.

If Tottenham make a move now, the Magpies are powerless. That is because Southampton want £55million for Dibling this month, which is way more than Newcastle can afford.

What Eddie Howe thinks about Tyler Dibling

Newcastle want to beat Spurs in the race to sign Dibling, but will only be able to if this transfer saga rumbles on into the summer. That is Howe’s only chance of signing a player he is keen to bring to St James’ Park.

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Give Me Sport add that Howe is a major fan of Dibling, and believes he can get the best out of him if he becomes a Newcastle United player.

Howe’s reputation for player improvement should come into Dibling’s consideration, as he is still a raw player with a lot of potential. While he has shown incredible flashes of brilliance, he is nowhere near the finished article.

For Dibling, he only needs to look at the players who Howe has made better at Newcastle United. The one he should focus on is Anthony Gordon, as he is a winger that has been transformed by Howe.

Howe can have the same impact on Dibling as he had on Gordon, but only if the Southampton youngster waits until the summer to make a decision about his future.

Newcastle United face major competition from Tottenham Hotspur to sign Tyler Dibling.

The Magpies have been heavily linked with the Southampton teenager, after Dan Ashworth failed to sign Dibling in 2022.

He has now gone on to establish himself in the Premier League in a Southampton shirt, with Newcastle reigniting their interest in Dibling.

The 18-year-old looks ideal for Eddie Howe’s side, as the Magpies search for a right winger to join Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in attack.

Toon fans would love to bring the teenager to St James’ Park, but interest is mounting in Dibling.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Tyler Dibling plan

The likes of RB Leipzig and Manchester United have been linked, but it is Tottenham Hotspur who are looking to steal a march on their rivals.

According to the Telegraph, Spurs want to sign Dibling from Southampton this month.

But if that is not possible, the Telegraph state that Ange Postecoglou’s side are discussing the possibility of getting a deal in place in advance to sign him in the summer.

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It has been claimed that Southampton want at least £55million for Dibling this month.

Paul Mitchell put under pressure to deliver Newcastle United deal

Tottenham are aiming to get their ducks in a row. If they cannot sign Dibling during the January transfer window, they are aiming to ensure that they are at the front of the queue in the summer.

That should concern Newcastle United fans, as Dibling looks like an ideal addition to Eddie Howe’s squad in 2025.

With that in mind, Paul Mitchell is under pressure to match Tottenham’s ambition. He must ensure that Newcastle United are also in the conversation, or run the risk of being left behind and missing out to a Premier League rival.

When you compare the two clubs, Newcastle have a clear advantage. While Tottenham have the lure of London and potentially bigger wages, the Magpies are more likely to be in a position to offer European football. Eddie Howe’s side could even be in the Champions League next season, which could make a move to Newcastle United very appealing for Dibling.

Hopefully Newcastle are doing their groundwork behind the scenes, at a time when Tottenham are trying to lure Dibling to North London themselves.

Newcastle United might need to be creative during the current January transfer window.

There is a need for the Magpies to bring in reinforcements, but that is not going to be easy.

Due to PSR, Newcastle must sell before they buy. And even if they do sell, there are still no guarantees that replacements will arrive.

It is a very delicate situation, and one that could easily end with Eddie Howe’s squad not getting any stronger this month.

There has already been one setback, with Abdukodir Khusanov unlikely to join Newcastle. That is a shame, even if the Magpies’ need for a centre-back is lessened by the return of Sven Botman.

Newcastle United linked with signing Richarlison

What Eddie Howe really need is attacking reinforcements. Newcastle’s priority is to sign a winger, while another striker would be helpful too given Callum Wilson’s injury.

And that is perhaps why journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested that Newcastle could make a surprise move to sign Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur this month.

“Richarlison is the surprise one who I am told might be a bit of substance to,” he told the Fully Loaded YouTube channel.

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“But it would have to be a loan into an obligation [to buy] at about £40million. That obligation would have to be contingent on Newcastle qualifying for the Champions League or possibly European football.”

No way Newcastle will sign Richarlison from Tottenham

While Ben Jacobs may have heard whispers of Newcastle being interested in Richarlison, there is surely no way that he will be making the move to Tyneside.

A deal would go against everything that Paul Mitchell is trying to implement in terms of recruitment.

Richarlison is 27-years-old. And by the time the obligatory £40million would be paid in the summer, he would be 28-years-old.

Newcastle want to focus on signing young players from untapped markets, as they go in search of better value. They would not get that at all from Richarlison, while all they would really be doing is financially helping a Premier League rival.

There is no chance that Newcastle will aim to sign Richarlison, even on a short-term basis. The financial hit would not be worth it, which is the same decision the Magpies made last year when they opted not to sign Kalvin Phillips.

As always, Newcastle are not going to sign someone just for the sake of it. If a player arrives, it is because they are deemed a good fit for the club’s project.

Richarlison is not that.

Jacob Murphy continued his excellent form during Newcastle United’s 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

The 29-year-old set up Newcastle United’s winner, with Alexander Isak getting a touch on Jacob Murphy’s cross after a small deflection. Sadly for Murphy, that deflection has robbed him of the official assist.

Isak has now scored in seven consecutive Premier League games, and he can thank Murphy for helping achieve that feat.

The Toon winger has been exceptional in recent weeks, ever since returning to the starting XI for the 3-3 draw with Liverpool.

His impact in the final third has been massive, with Murphy boasting nine goal contributions this season. In truth, it should be 10 after what happened against Spurs.

Alan Shearer hails Jacob Murphy as Newcastle’s attack excels again

Regardless, it was another impressive display from Murphy, as Newcastle United’s front three shone once again.

The trio of Isak, Murphy and Anthony Gordon were pivotal in picking up three points from North London, as Newcastle made it six wins in a row.

But while Isak and Gordon are top level talents, Murphy continues to defy belief with his performances, and Toon legend Alan Shearer has told The Rest Is Football podcast what he loves the most about the £12million attacker.

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“The pace that they’ve got up top Newcastle and with the guile and the aggression and everything they’ve got in midfield,” he said.

“That’s why it’s working so well for them because Murphy’s got real great energy. He’s really quick and he gets balls into the box, which is what I like as a forward.

“Isak’s got pace and he’s on fire. He’s having the time of his life and long may that continue. And I’m pretty sure it will.

“And then you’ve got the energy of Gordon on the left hand side. So it’s working really, really well for Newcastle at the minute.”

Murphy is performing at pivotal time amid transfer concerns

Up until now, right wing has been a major problem for Newcastle United this season.

Eddie Howe has struggled to find a front three that clicks, which resulted in speculation that Newcastle would target a right winger in January.

That is what fans want, with Johan Bakayoko looking perfect for Newcastle.

However, he looks set to be unattainable. In truth, that could be the case for pretty much every attacker that the Magpies are targeting, especially because Newcastle must sell before they buy.

At a time when PSR is holding Newcastle back, Murphy is raising his level to drag the club forwards. He has really raised his game and is proving he can be a mainstay in Howe’s XI.

Of course, the challenge for him will be playing at this level on a consistent basis.

But he is certainly doing that right now, and Shearer absolutely loves how direct he is. Murphy creates so many chances with his desire to get balls into the box. It is why Shearer would have loved to play with him, and it is why Isak is enjoying such a rich vein of form.

Long may it continue.

Ange Postecoglou was not happy after Newcastle United beat Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

The Magpies came from behind to make it six wins in a row, as Alexander Isak continued his incredible form in front of goal.

He netted Newcastle United’s winner, but it was the equaliser that was clouded in controversy.

Anthony Gordon scored it, but there was a handball appeal in the buildup. As Tottenham tried to play out from the back, Lucas Bergvall fired the ball at Joelinton. It hit his hand, but there was nothing the Brazilian could do to avoid it. It was ball to hand, with Joelinton’s arm clearly in a natural position.

Moments later and the ball was in the net, much to the anger of everyone associated with Tottenham Hotspur.

What Ange Postecoglou said after Newcastle beat Tottenham

Following Newcastle’s win at Spurs, Postecoglou was furious when asked for his opinion on the Magpies’ first goal.

“No, because I know what everyone wants me to say, but all I’ll say is that on any other day, on a fair and even playing ground, we would have won that game,” he said.

“Simple as that. Don’t keep asking me about the decision. If you guys have no opinion about it, that’s fine. I know what my opinion is and, as I said, if that was a different day and it was an even and fair playing ground, we would have won that game.”

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Eddie Howe disagreed with Postecoglou, insisting that Newcastle were deserved winners.

Alan shearer responds to Tottenham manager complaining

Now Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has responded to Postecoglou’s complaint on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, with the former Toon striker insisting that the Aussie boss is wrong.

“I think they [Newcastle] had to show a different side to what they’ve sort of shown in the previous five or six games,” he said.

“In a lot of the games that have been on the front foot and they’ve been scoring goals for fun. They had to dig a bit deeper yesterday, particularly second half, you know, defensively.

“Ange Postecoglou had a moan about the referee. He had a rant, didn’t he, after the game where he said the same answer five or six times. I’m presuming it was about the referee.

“But what he failed to mention was that Newcastle should have had an absolute certain penalty when Anthony Gordon had his nose broken with that challenge.

“But I guess he’s moaning about the handball law, the one that hit Joelinton’s hand when Tottenham were again, after two minutes of taking the lead, trying to play stupidly, trying to play out from the back.”

Shearer was then asked if he thought it was a handball by Joelinton.

“No. I hate the handball law, but under the current guideline, that is not handball. The one at Anfield today was. You can’t argue with that when De Ligt had his hand above his head. That under the law is a handball. The one for Joelinton is not. If that’s the one that Ange was on about then he is wrong.”

Newcastle extend their run with a ‘different’ performance

During this run of form, Newcastle United have been dominant. They have been blowing sides away, and some had predicted that would happen again on Saturday due to Tottenham’s fitness issues.

It was actually a very tight game, but one that Newcastle deserved to win – despite Postecoglou’s stance.

For the handball appeal – I do not see what else Joelinton can do. His arm is in a natural position – he does not move towards it.

While it would be annoying to see it go against you, the rules are the rules.

After that, I struggle to understand why Postecoglou thinks Tottenham should have won. Sure, they dominated the second half, but they were hardly peppering the Newcastle goal. Eddie Howe’s side sat back and contained Spurs, while Martin Dubravka was not forced to make any spectacular saves.

The Magpies showed their defensive resilience to dig in and pick up another three points, as this spectacular run of form continues.

Newcastle United are showing no signs of slowing down after beating Tottenham to extend their winning streak.

It is now six wins in a row for Newcastle United after they left the capital with three points on Saturday afternoon.

Newcastle have scored early in recent matches and that trend continued when Anthony Gordon equalised after six minutes, albeit after a controversial Joelinton handball decision.

Alexander Isak then continued his scoring streak by firing Newcastle into the lead. Despite Ange Postecoglou believing Spurs should have won, the Magpies held on to stay fifth in the Premier League table.

The 2-1 win over Tottenham in North London was by far the hardest of Newcastle’s six-game winning streak with Eddie Howe’s side surviving a nervy end to the match.

Bruno Guimaraes sent Newcastle fans into ‘frenzy’

Bruno Guimaraes had a superb 2024 which was capped off by the superb 2-0 win over Manchester United on Monday evening.

In stoppage time at Old Trafford, Guimaraes let out a huge roar which drew a reaction from the travelling Toon fans. It is something supporters have grown used to seeing at St James’ Park with Guimaraes sharing a close connection to the Newcastle fanbase.

Once again, Bruno Guimaraes made sure to personally address the travelling Newcastle supporters after Saturday’s win over Spurs.

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As reported by The Chronicle, Guimaraes was spotted whipping up Newcastle fans “into a frenzy” at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after he put on yet another superb display. Guimaraes was pictured chanting and dancing to the away fans before eventually returning to the dressing room.

Newcastle had their backs up against a wall for the final few minutes as they looked to defend their lead, and Guimaraes couldn’t help but celebrate passionately after holding on to take all three points.

How did Bruno Guimaraes perform against Tottenham?

Guimaraes has been in great form for Newcastle since swapping positions with Sandro Tonali in midfield. The Brazilian is now afforded more space to roam forward while Tonali sits deeper in the trio.

A glance at Guimaraes’ match stats against Spurs proves just how impactful he was during the 2-1 victory.

Guimaraes was effective in every area of play with the Newcastle captain making his sixth assist of the season to set up Gordon’s equaliser.

He was equally as impressive when defending, with Guimaraes making three tackles, one interception and winning five ground duels.

Newcastle United are absolutely flying right now.

Eddie Howe’s side kicked 2025 off with a bang on Saturday, running out 2-1 winners at Tottenham.

While Newcastle were perhaps fortunate Anthony Gordon’s equaliser was allowed to stand after a Joelinton hand ball, all that matters is that Howe’s side took all three points back up north with them.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou may of the belief his side should have won but the fact that is that Newcastle are now six games unbeaten across all competitions.

Fifth in the Premier League table and just a point behind fourth-placed Chelsea who were being tipped for the title not long ago, things are going very well for the Newcastle United manager.

Naturally, he was delighted with the victory, which was watched on by one particularly interesting spectator.

Indeed, new England boss Thomas Tuchel was in the stands and Howe was asked about his presence when discussing both Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento after the game.

Eddie Howe says Thomas Tuchel will know how good two Newcastle United players are

Hall and Livramento both broke into the England set-up last year after fine performances for Newcastle.

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Livramento has been a success pretty much since joining the club but Hall had to wait for his chance before embarking on a rapid-fire ascension.

Talking about the full-backs after the game, Howe told a press conference: “I’m sure they were aware of that, that Thomas was here.

“Thomas will be well aware of their qualities from not just watching today but from previous games.

“All they’ve got to do is carry on playing as well as they have done this season. Think both players were very good today.”

Thomas Tuchel may have been impressed by another Newcastle United player against Tottenham

Livramento, Hall and Gordon are all England internationals so Tuchel will surely have been keeping a close eye on them.

Still, and while it would seem unlikely given the depth of options available to the Three Lions coach, perhaps Jacob Murphy caught his eye.

Murphy, once again, put in a strong performance, while Dan Burn also impressed.

Newcastle certainly gave Tuchel plenty to think about…

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou faced the press ahead of their game against Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Magpies travel to North London for the first of two trips to the capital in four days – They’ll be hoping they can leave the Tottenham Hotspur stadium with all three points and continue to close the gap on the automatic Champions League spots.

Spurs are struggling this season and are without a win in their last three Premier League games having lost to Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and drawing with Wolves.

Newcastle are searching for a fifth straight Premier League win following Monday’s victory at Old Trafford and the hope that Alexander Isak can continue his fine form.

Howe will go into the game with more confidence knowing Newcastle beat Tottenham in the reverse fixture at St James’ Park earlier in the season.

Both Eddie Howe and Postecoglou faced the press on Friday, but their injury updates couldn’t have been more different.

Ange Postecoglou confirms illness bug plagued Tottenham squad

The Spurs boss has had a hard time with injuries at the moment. He already confirmed Ben Davies would miss the game through injury.

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Now, the Australian has let wind in his pre-match press conference of a bug that has hampered his preparations for the game.

Postecoglou said: “We’ve had a bit of an illness bug around the squad, so a few were missing from training but we’ll be alright.”

Spurs will also be without eight players for Newcastle’s visit, Guglielmo Vicario, Richarlison, Davies, Rodrigo Bentancur, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will all be missing on Saturday.

One small silver lining for Postecoglou is that Djed Spence will return after service a one-match ban for accumulating yellow cards.

Brandon Austin is set to make his Tottenham debut against Newcastle due to Fraser Forster being unavailable (TalkSPORT).

Howe endured a similar injury crisis during a similar period last season. It was so bad that at one point, Newcastle could’ve made an injury-starting XI.

The Toon boss confirmed that Sven Botman is in contention to feature against Spurs on Saturday, while Nick Pope is “back on the grass”. Kieran Trippier came off early against Man United on Monday but Howe has confirmed the 34-year-old should be ok to face his former side.

Emil Krafth remains sidelined while he recovers from a broken collarbone. Jamaal Lascelles and Callum Wilson are also still nursing injuries.

Fabian Schar misses Saturday’s game and the midweek trip to Arsenal through suspension.